"What... is this?"
Looking at the scroll on the table, everyone from Kusagakure exchanged glances. After blinking a few times, they all turned their gazes toward He Yin and blurted out in unison.
At the same time, acting on instinct, the Bearded Man, who had always been quick to act, had already reached for the scroll on the table.
Since He Yin had placed the scroll on the table, it was naturally meant for them to see. And it was something they needed to see.
After all, something important was being announced. By convention, there was no need to hold back at a time like this.
"A written alliance treaty with Konoha."
Hearing this, He Yin answered casually.
"Oh, a written alliance treaty with Konoha!"
The Bearded Man, whose hand was nearly touching the scroll, spoke instinctively.
"What?"
But in the next second, his entire body abruptly froze. It was as if he had suddenly realized something, and his body stiffened.
"What did you say? A written alliance treaty with Konoha? A written alliance treaty? A written alliance treaty! A written alliance treaty?"
Then, slowly and stiffly turning his neck to look at He Yin, the Bearded Man spoke in horrified shock. His voice rose from sheer astonishment until it was as shrill as a woman's.
He practically squealed in a woman's voice.
"Yes."
He Yin did not keep them in suspense and answered directly.
The instant those words fell, the entire room went deathly silent. Everyone present, including Hada Ryuhiko, who was bound in Kikkō-jime, except for Hada Anna, who wore a confused and innocent expression and had no idea why everyone below was so shocked, and Hada Ichiba, who had known about this matter all along and had even participated in it, widened their eyes. Still facing He